Carmenère

Parentage of the grape: might be offspring of Cabernet Sauvignon (Vidure is its synonym)

History of the grape: Carmenère was once widely planted in Bordeaux’s Medoc for its deep color and unique gaminess. It was most often used for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as well as other grapes since it added a rich depth of flavor and structure to the wines. However, it needs a lot of sunlight and can be very difficult to maintain, so it was all but wiped out in Bordeaux during the late 19th century Phylloxera crisis and not replanted. Meanwhile, before Phylloxera struck, many Vitis vinifera vines were exported to Chile, where the pest never took hold. Carmenère became widely planted there, but due to similar shared characteristics, it was long assumed to be Merlot. However, distinctions had been noticed between what was most definitely Merlot and other wines which Read more »

Name of varietal: Carmenère

Common synonyms: Grand Vidure, Biturica

Parentage of the grape: might be offspring of Cabernet Sauvignon (Vidure is its synonym)

History of the grape: Carmenère was once widely planted in Bordeaux’s Medoc for its deep color and unique gaminess. It was most often used for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as well as other grapes since it added a rich depth of flavor and structure to the wines. However, it needs a lot of sunlight and can be very difficult to maintain, so it was all but wiped out in Bordeaux during the late 19th century Phylloxera crisis and not replanted. Meanwhile, before Phylloxera struck, many Vitis vinifera vines were exported to Chile, where the pest never took hold. Carmenère became widely planted there, but due to similar shared characteristics, it was long assumed to be Merlot. However, distinctions had been noticed between what was most definitely Merlot and other wines which were made with what had been called “Merlot.” IN other words, Merlot that was the same, but different. In 1994, French oenologist Jean Michel Boursiquo, did his research and discovered that this “different Merlot” was in fact Carmenère, pretty much extinct now in France, but happily thriving in Chile. After this came to light, Carmenère became known as Chile’s signature varietal, and has caught on in other parts of the world.

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Mentor for Carmenère Wines

Wine marketing, education professional and Chile Brand Ambassador with Vine Connections with a love of wine old and new. I am wine geek and traveler with an unquenchable desire to explore the world of wine one region and country at a time

We visited Indomita on a trip to Chile and had lunch at this winery which I ... I tried the Duette Cabernet/Carmenere blend, which I really liked. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be available locally in the states. I give this wine a 5 rating. It has more of a smooth sweet taste but great flavo
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Started out with good fruit. and a load of acid, and a bit of vanilla / cinamin? in the finish... then it opened up, rounded out, lost a bit of the acit and I LOVED IT! Some of the best / plentiful / slowest (can you see them stopping) legs I've seen in a while.... WOW!
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